The EU has adopted a new toy safety directive designed to update regulations. A toy, as defined by the directive, is a product with which children under 14 play. Manufacturers are charged with ensuring a toy in safe prior to sale. A total of 55 allergenic fragrances are now banned from use in toys. In addition, new restrictions were set for the use in toys of substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. The legislation also reduces by an average of 50% the migration limits of six metals: arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), lead, mercury and organic tin. Member states have 18 months to comply with the directive after it is published. Toy manufacturers have up to two years after publication to comply, except for the chemical requirements, for which they have four years to comply.

Source: European Parliament